Northland's MP wants Transpower to write the region a cheque after a pylon toppled north of Helensville, cutting power to much of the north.
It's found contractor Omexom's team leader was distracted sandblasting as unsupervised inexperienced workers removed the bolts from three legs at once.
Transpower says it can't compensate businesses but says residents can contact their retailer.
Grant McCallum told Mike Hosking he's sat down with Transpower to discuss some kind of donation, but they were very far apart.
He says about 10 times the figure they offered would be more relevant.
LISTEN ABOVE

Mike's Minute: The Hipkins allegations and effect
02:13

Pollies: National's Mark Mitchell and Labour's Ginny Andersen talk Chris Hipkins allegations, Mark Mitchell's wedding
11:05

Robbie Williams: British pop legend on the increasing scale of live performances and concerts
03:06